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Organizations

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Transcript

All photos by Houstonian staff
PUSH America is the national philanthropic organization of
the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and raises funds and awareness for
the disabled while promoting volunteerism.
The biggest event held by PUSH is the PUSH America crosscountry bicycle ride, which takes place each summer.
Afternoons and evenings on the 74-day cross-country trek are
set aside for working with members of the communities the
cyclists pass through in order to promote disability awareness
and build friendships with disabled residents.
Although Pi Kappa Phi's UH chapter did not have a cyclist in
this year's ride, Kevin Vistentin was chosen to be on the support
team, which drives along the route making sure that the
cyclists have everything that they need, toting equipment and
generally serving as ambassadors for PUSH and Pi Kappa Phi.
"I think this is the opportunity of a lifetime to help my fellow
man and to represent my university and my organization
nationally/' Vistentin said. "I'm really grateful for this
opportunity to be a part of something that is bigger than my
immediate world, to be a part of something great."
The participants are each required to raise at least $5,000 for
the organization without the help of their chapters
These funds go toward building handicap-accessible ploy
units, funding ramps and purchasinq equipment to help
increase mobility for the disabled. Participants in the ride and
other members of Pi Kappa Phi get to experience this part ol
the organization hands-on during PUSH Week, an alternative
spring break program where they build the ramps and play
units themselves.
"PUSH Week was a blast," Vistentin said. "I felt really good
about myself for doing something worthwhile with my spring
break."
For more information, visit www.pushamerica.org.
By Katherine Mayse
136 Organizations
Organizations 137